Hi all,
I’m finding out that some jurisdictions in Texas are requiring ESS output
to be equal to or greater than the calculated load of a dwelling. For
example, if backing up the whole home, and the service load is calculated
at 150A, the ESS would require to continuously output 150A OR EMS is
req
I fought with 8”x8” gutters for a while, then 10”x10”…and finally made the
switch to 12”x12” a few years ago and never looked back. Straight nipples
are cheaper and easier to install, and I think they look better as well.
With the Sol Ark 15K, the vertical fans require 6” of clearance at the
bottom
Jason,
I’ve installed several Sol-Ark inverters in off-grid applications with
induction cooktops and have had zero issue. On Thanksgiving last year, a
set of off-grid induction stoves pulled over 12 kW without flinching
(albeit with 2ea. Sol-Ark 15Ks and a hefty battery bank). I personally
don’t
My understanding of these mini splits is that there is also an AC input, so
you could potentially run an RSS Transmitter from that source panel and
install Tigos or something of the sort.
On Thu, Jun 19, 2025 at 10:28 AM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
Jason,
This is a great question. I was waiting for responses, because I’ve thought
this as well.
Typically I have sized load conductors to either Sol Ark output or gen
output, depending on which was higher, but you are absolutely right that
with grid assist programmed, this number could be higher
The Discover Link II has AGS capability (much better than typical AIO
inverters), but it can only pair with Discover AES Rackmount and Helios.
On Wed, May 14, 2025 at 12:08 PM William Bryce via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> I "have been told" that you can do it with a
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some clarification on conductor ampacity ratings as they
relate to battery cables. My understanding is that the term ‘free air’
wasn’t actually defined in the NEC until 2020 and that conductors installed
in a nipple, wire trough, conduit body, or enclosure don’t quali
olar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Thursday, M
I’ve been drooling over the Fluke 1732 Power Measurement Logger for the
past few year but can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money. Have any
wrenchers used it?
Jay, it looks like there is a product called the Power Watchdog PWD50EPO
that is specifically designed for RVs and acts as a surge p
> Out of curiosity, what mode are you in and what are the respective set
> points for absorb, float, rebulk, etc. For PV vs inverter?
>
> Tyrone Houck
> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> LRT #076
> 541-787-1366
> tyr...@oregonsolarworks.com
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 8,
FM 100, so PV output wouldn’t be visible.
On Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 4:14 PM jay via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Hi Chris,
>
> Is this new or has it been always like this?
>
> jay
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Nov 8, 2024, a
Hey wrenchers,
I have an off-grid customer with a pair of VFX 3648 inverters, a FM 100
charge controller and two eVault classics in open loop. The issue is when
the generator is charging the batteries, incoming amperage is all over the
place and periodically, gradually drops to 0A then ramps back
I’ve also noticed that the method of cutting the cable plays a big part in
how effectively it goes into the lug. When I use a bandsaw, loose jawed
cable cutters or even a really sharp circularity saw blade, strands get
slightly frayed and won’t fit properly. I’ve concluded that a long handled
and w
Hi Sam,
I purchased the Milwaukee Force Logic crimper a few years ago and it’s been
worth every penny. The cutting attachment doesn’t work so well on fine
stranded, but the crimper attachment has worked flawlessly. I use it almost
every day.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2679-600C
-Chri
Hi Ray,
I don’t think your understanding of the Sol Ark’s PV and LBCO relationship
reflects actual functionality. Technically, Sol Ark doesn’t have a formal
LBCO, but it has a “shut down” setting that cuts out AC output and can be
programmed to cut off and cut back in at selected SOC or voltage se
Wrenches,
If anyone has a working Schuco MPE225-PS-09 module they are willing to sell
me, please contact me off list.
Thanks and happy Friday!
-Chris Sparadeo
___
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.or
Question for all you Homegrid installers…has anyone found a succinct way to
run conduit from the battery enclosure to the Sol Ark?
On Wed, Oct 9, 2024 at 7:39 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Jay,
>
> I should mention I have a couple of customers w
I can’t count how many times you wrenchers have saved me. Pay honor and
dues!
On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 9:34 PM Jesse Dahl via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Paid. Great idea! Patreon for PV.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Sep 27, 2024, at 3:56 PM, Dana Orzel via RE-wrenc
Has anyone had successful contact with Blue Planet in recent weeks? Jody
from their tech support division does not seem to be working there any more
and the company main phone number is giving a bizarre message loop that
doesn’t allow you to actually speak to anyone….
On Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 10:33
Last time I spoke with Tesla, they did not support either fully off-grid or
installations not connect to the internet. Have they changed their policy
on this?
On Tue, Sep 10, 2024 at 8:19 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Correct, but there are some
Which Mate are you using? I know the FM100 is only compatible with the Mate
3s. If you are using a Mate 3, this mismatch could possibly be the cause of
these issues.
On Sat, Sep 7, 2024 at 7:25 PM Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Dana
>
> I have always
I had a similar experience with Discover warranty recently with a Link II.
I correctly installed internal jumpers and external comms cables, and
during the commissioning process I heard a popping sound from inside the
Link. The center relay board was visibly burnt. After creating a ticket and
corre
they specify in their
> documentation.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Jason
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > On Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 7:23 AM Chris Sparadeo <
> sparadeo.ch...@gmail
e not always required. You would need them for power export limiting or
> grid peak shaving, but for straight grid-tied with or without battery
> backup, you don't need them.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 17, 2024, 8:41 PM
Hey there wrenchers,
I am working on a larger project with 6 Sol-Ark 15K units and an 800A
service. The main service conductors are 3 parallel runs of 400 kcmil. I am
wondering how to CT these conductors from the master inverter. Sol Ark tech
support has not been very helpful so far. I have the in
Hi Jeremy!
We have encountered this his issue years ago with the AO and Fronius
suggested we deactivate the arc fault setting. It works, but in order to do
so, they give you a special passcode to input. Not an ideal solution. Arc
fault detection is not worth compromising . IMO avoid this combinati
Dave,
Just to play devils advocate, what are your reasons as to why high voltage
isn’t worthy of OG?
I say this being firmly stuck in 48VDC off-grid systems.
Kindly,
Chris
On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 8:42 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Dave:
>
> H
Hi Kevin,
Let me chime in here. Last year I experienced something nearly identical to
what you are describing. 3 ea. XW pros in an off-grid application. Things
were working fine, but wanted to upgrade firmware for a comms issue I was
having with closed loop BMS and Insight. After the 2.04 upgrade,
Hi Jason,
I talked through this scenario with Sol-Ark tech support a while back. The
take away was that grid peak shaving does exist but ONLY on the grid port.
If this is an off-grid installation, then land the conductors from the
generator on the grid port and select “gen connected to grid port”
Howie,
The EG4 18K and the Fortress Envy are both made by the same manufacturer,
LuxPower. Google the LXP 12K and it will all make sense. I can’t speak for
EG4, but I know that Fortress has progressed from simply white labeling
this unit to doing a significant amount of programming and additional
And just to muddy the waters a little, 2023 NEC uses AC Connected and DC
connected wording in place of coupled. Same concept, new name.
On Sat, Oct 28, 2023 at 5:01 PM Roland - RES via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Agreed and we'll understand the differences, all of ou
Dave,
Aren’t AC 1 and AC 2 technically interchangeable? You can set AC priority,
Hz and voltage parameters on both inputs.
Best,
Chris
On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 3:07 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches
wrote:
> Not getting this Kevin, AC2 has always been the generator input as it
> a
Hi William,
That’s an interesting idea to have close loop comms with two separate
manufacturers at the same time. In theory I think this could work, but
unfortunately, I don’t think SMA and Schneider share the same protocol #
for the eVault. I believe SMA uses protocol #2 and Schneider uses #5.
Hi William,
You will want to make sure that the eVaults are all running that same
firmware and that terminator switches and battery ID #s are set correctly.
High SOC and large incoming current could definitely be the reason why
voltage skyrocketed up.
Best,
Chris
On Sat, Oct 21, 2023 at 9:39 PM
Hi Bill,
I have yet to have an issue with the Sol Ark 12K and water pumps. We have
numerous off-grid installations with 3/4 HP well pumps with no issues. I
tend to find that compressors and inductive motor loads like chop saws are
often an issue.
Hope this helps,
Chris
On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 1
Michael,
Sol Ark does not have an explicit or adjustable cool down setting, but it
has fixed the problem of dropping the AGS signal under full load.
dus...@sol-ark.com can you confirm this?
On Fri, Sep 15, 2023 at 5:41 PM Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> w
In an off-grid scenario I would suggest utilizing the grid connect timer as
a Gen warm up. I typically set this qualification time to 30 or 60 seconds.
Sol Ark fixed the problem with dropping the 2 wire start under full load,
so if this is an issue for you, I would update the firmware.
On Fri, Sep
Bill,
My understanding of the Mojave is that it is specifically designed to be
paired with AC coupled , grid-interactive inverters. It does not allow for
closed loop communications via RS485 or CAN with third party manufacturers
and cannot be paralleled with multiple units. Because of these limita
It’s my understanding that Iron Edison went out of business earlier this
year. I did have an issue with a few bad cells in a RB48V300, but after the
RMA, no issues to date. And certainly nothing explosive in nature, although
I do remember a previous thread about an RB cover blowing off. The take
aw
eform.
>>
>> Stuff like clocks not keeping time, or certain digital controls on
>> certain appliances not functioning, is not a warranty claim. Lights
>> dimming, or LEDs flickering is not a warranty claim. These are normal
>> living off grid, and the only thing
Hi all,
I have a client with a Magnum MS 4024- PAE inverter. There are some serious
issues with power output quality and according to the client, another
installer had started the RMA process while the inverter was still under
warranty, however Sensata has not been responsive and has lost track of
Hi William,
I think my opinion would be yes, but why? We have a few no-battery
installs, but they don’t preform well in grid outage scenarios. If the
client is looking for future battery back-up, but not ready to invest just
yet, it’s an option. Don’t expect seamless grid forming output with an
ou
Dave,
It looks like the dedicated tablet would occupy the Ethernet port of the
gateway/facility. That would mean the installer would have to choose
between having local system interface OR a solid Ethernet connection. I get
that in many cases, the WiFi connection could allow for remote monitoring,
I don’t like the idea of a system being dependent on the functionality of
the insight home/facility or the battery life of a smart device / AC output
of the inverter to be able to change settings. As limited as the SCP is, I
think it serves a very important function in system operation. I’m all for
In high uplift scenarios, I have used both IronRidge Camo clips on the
bottom frame of the module and UFO clips on the top. More expensive, but
definitely an all around rock solid approach.
-Chris
On Thu, Mar 30, 2023 at 9:45 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wro
to bring the batteries
>> up higher every now and then.
>>
>> So far, things have worked better.
>>
>> Howie Michaelson
>> Sun Catcher
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 9, 2023, 8:10 PM Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenche
Ray,
Establishing CAN is straightforward. Most important steps:
-Pins 1,2,3 on eVault go to pins 4,5,6 in that order
- Update the eVault with CAN firmware
-Use protocol 6 on the battery and protocol 00 on the Sol Ark
Closed loop is an important feature that I personally wouldn’t want to pass
up.
I have a client with a large woodworking shop…cabinet table saw, large 20”
240V bench planer, chop saws, compressors and a vacuum system. A single Sol
Ark 15K takes care of these loads flawlessly. It seems that that inductive
load snag with the smaller models has been resolved with the 15K.
Best,
Hey there,
I have a client with a dead 24V Xantrex SW…It had a good 20+ year run with
a few rebuilds. The customer is looking to upgrade their inverter, but keep
their 24V battery bank. My first thoughts were Outback FX or Victron
Quattro, but I am curious what others are using out there. It seems
Hi Dana,
If the battery is in closed loop with the inverter and the battery is cold,
it might be limiting charge due to cold temps.
Best,
Chris
On Sun, Dec 4, 2022 at 8:21 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Hey Now All Wise ones!
>
>
>
> An of gird clie
Sol-Ark user area to power the Tigo
> Optimizer TX transmitter)
>
> I too had to confirm with Sol-Ark to clarify these details. I’ve not
> looked at any of their newer manuals to see if some of these notes have
> changed.
>
> Enjoy your day, Nick
>
>
>
> On Nov
Hi Ray,
I would suggest pushing the latest firmware update to both units.
https://www.fortresspower.com/firmware/
re: tech support…
I have had good luck speaking directly to Tom:
Thomas Honey
Fortress Power
Applications Engineering
(215) 613-4318 x4318
t...@fortresspower.com
I agree that Fort
Hi Chris,
I echo Ronald’s experience. I wasn’t aware of any memo from Sol Ark
suggesting pins 15 and 16 should not be used for the Tigo RSS Transmitter.
The 12K and 15K manuals both refrence a 12vdc RSS transmitter to achieve
rapid shut down.
Best,
Chris
On Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 11:21 AM Roland
William,
I have paired a handful of Trace SW inverters with SimpliPhi batteries. I
most often run into this with clients that have 24vdc systems and for
whatever reason can’t/won’t make the leap to 48vdc. In my opinion,
SimpliPhi’s 24 volt offering is the best in its class. With the older
version
Hi Jay,
We have 50+ Sol Ark’s deployed and have just recently RMA’d our first unit
for a failed grid input relay. Only failure so far and tech support was
awesome throughout the process.
I have been very impressed with the 15K unit. We have dropped some serious
inductive motor loads on it with no
tps://assets.discoverbattery.com/documents/03_aes/805_product_manual/gui-aes-wall-mount-bracket-installation-guide.pdf
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 6, 2022, 8:59 AM Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches
Hi all,
I have a project where I am contemplating hanging 9 Discover AES batteries
on a wall. Each battery is around 200 lbs, and although the stud wall is a
bulky 2”x6” with 16” OC…I have apprehensions that hanging almost a ton of
battery on the wall is a good idea. I’ve seen it done in other ins
https://learn.fortresspower.com/external/manual/sma/article/copy-of-unpacking-the-batteries?p=dc8b9a9c1b3f410556835193e66f2257c662403dfb3da4056e618e954e8381d2
According to Fortress, they have estables closed loop. However, I don’t
have experience with this match up.
On Fri, Sep 2, 2022 at 6:16 P
Hi Matt,
I typically like to keep battery monitors consistent with inverter
manufacturers. Outback and Schneider Electric and Magnum offer good native
battery monitors that, when tuned in correctly, work well with LFP.
That being said, I have definitely used the Victron BMV 712 paired with
Simpli
Hi Chris,
Might sound simple, but I always start by verifying that the generator is
NOT in Eco-mode and that it is correctly set to the desired voltage output
(seems like in this case that would be 120/240VAC). If those check out,
verify that the cord is properly made up and correctly seated in th
We are desperate for a dependable liquid cooled generator in the 12-16 kW
range. If quality is there, I could see us installing 10+ a year.
-Chris
On Mon, Jul 11, 2022 at 10:45 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> The more our local utility tries t
Hi John,
Check out Sun Bandit's offering: https://sunbandit.us/solutions/
-Chris
On Thu, Jun 30, 2022 at 9:48 PM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Glen, You are correct. It is an electric tank water heater according to
> Home Depot.
>
> Thanks for
Hi Wrenches,
Has anyone had experience with the Eguana Technologies Evolve LFP battery
storage system? I have only every seen their cut sheet, but am aware that
they are partnering (being acquired by?) GM. If anyone has first hand
experience with Eguana I’d love to hear it!
Kindly,
Chris
--
Ch
Just like Jerry mentioned, I’ve gotten out of similar situations by
manipulating the multiple strings in the combiner box to conform to string
voltage requirements. Instead of having 2 strings of 3 modules, with one
well placed burndy connector, you now have a single string of 6. It can
become mor
enches.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> That's what I'm thinking. You would need to use a 200A conductor to a
>>>> separate load out OCPD before downsizing the wire. I guess there are pros
>>>> and cons, but it seems this is geared toward whole house backup f
Hi William,
Each Powerwall can accept 5 kW of continuous charge and 7 kW peak for 10
seconds. These values increase respectively with additional units (i.e.
10kW continuous for 2 units, 15kW for 3 etc). It’s my understanding that
each unit can accept 7.6 kW of AC coupled PV. If PV is generating mo
2/0 as it will never meet
>> that rating. Just remember its whatever the max output can be plus your
>> margin.
>>
>> On Fri, Apr 15, 2022, 5:44 PM Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Jason,
Hi Jason,
You bring up a valid point….in an off-grid scenario with the 15k do you
size the conductors to the continuous capacity, surge capacity or the OCPD
of the unit?
-Chris
On Fri, Apr 15, 2022 at 4:01 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> P.S. IC
Hi Jason,
Storz Power has a new wall mounted NEMA 3R enclosure that can fit 2 of
their 5.12 kWh battery modules and can be stacked up to 80 kWh. Might be
worth looking into.
-Chris
On Wed, Apr 6, 2022 at 3:47 PM frenergy via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> You can easi
Hi Jason,
If he removes the battery bank, then the battery mode setting would need to
be changed to “no battery”. Luckily, very easy setting to access either in
front of the unit or remotely.
Best,
Chris
On Fri, Apr 1, 2022 at 2:52 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wre
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